Saturday, May 21, 2016

Minnie Sherman Fitch's Quilt

Grand Army Quilt by Minnie Sherman Fitch

About 1885-1910

This is the last weekend to see the crazy quilt with a Civil War theme that is on display at the New York Historical Society.

Threads of Women's History: Recent Needlework Acquisitions includes samplers and three quilts, featuring one by William T. Sherman's eldest daughter Maria Ewing Sherman Fitch. The show closes Sunday May 22, 2016.

Maria (Minnie) Sherman grew up in Saint Louis with her grandparents. Her father's prominence as a Union General during the Civil War turned her into an American princess whose 1874 wedding was celebrated with lavish gifts and much publicity.

Newspaper rendering of Minnie's wedding to Lt. Thomas William Fitch

in Leslie's magazine.

Lieutenant Thomas William Fitch

served in the Union Navy during the Civil War.

The Fitches had seven children and spent much of their marriage in St. Louis. Minnie died in Gulfport, Mississippi, in 1913.